Good evening. I am a new member joined in April when my 2013 XJL 5.0 supercharged jag with 124K miles needed timing chains, tensioners and water pump replaced at an independent shop since my dealer was not willing to diagnose for six weeks. After a $13k bill, and a two week repair, I am experiencing ALOT of problems, including a rough idle, poor acceleration, decreased mpg, weaker acceleration on hills and a change in the engine “voice”. I have brought it back three times. The first time the mechanic told me that it sounded fine and just not to worry. The second time (after another check engine warning) they told me it was a throttle body air intake hose that wasn’t seated properly, diagnosed by smoke test. They told me “see you in 5K”. Third time, another check engine light, they tell me that they found a mangled vacuum hose which triggered the lean air fuel mix code. I am very concerned about a/ the integrity and competence of this shop b/ the damage which may result from these issues. To a person with no previous car issues and perfect maintenance history and no automotive knowledge, I just am a bit sad and scared. Any words of wisdom? TY in advance! CatDoc

 

You picked the wrong shop. If they don't step up and fix it correctly, about the only recourse you have is take your car to a different (much better) shop. Negotiate with the first one, and if nothing is settled, only a civil suit could help you out.

 

CeeJay, TY for your reply. This indie shop came with 4.9 star reviews for jaguar service and they are the only option within an hour drive other than the dealership who told me “just drive the car…it isnt an emergency”. Sigh. The indie shop has promised to fix the issue at no cost but I am very concerned that their mistake may have damaged my engine. Guess I need to wait and see what state things are in once they return her to me. CatDoc

 

catdoc,

You posted your concerns about your 2013 XJL (X351) in the 2007-2015 XK/XKR (X150) Forum. Nevertheless, my guess is that your engine timing isn't right.

That Jaguar dealer gave you bad advice. Continuing to drive it might cause catastrophic engine damage.

Hopefully, your indie will fix it to your satisfaction.

Stuart

 

Stuart, TY for your reply. I am sorry to have confused you but it was the Jaguar dealer who told me that the first check engine light was probably something simple and to come back in 6 weeks when they would have time to diagnose it! The independent shop that I drove to straight from my former dealership diagnosed the failed tensioners and one tooth jump. The indie repaired this (along with replacing water pump/hose on my request). And the new check engine problems regarding air intake hose and vacuum hose have been diagnosed and being repaired gratis by indie. What I really don’t understand is WHY all these new issues…are these connections typically removed and then replaced during the timing chain replacement procedure? If so, wouldn’t they have realized the issue given my repeated complaints about the car’s sound and performance? I am quite upset about spending SO much to still have engine issues and worries about damage done. PS half the work WAS paid on my credit card…

 

I realized my error and corrected it at 11:19PM while you were writing your reply to my previous erroneous post.

No matter, your car is with your indie and, hopefully, they will get it sorted.

P.S. I suspect that your indie mechanic didn't take your XJ for a road test each time after the work was completed. He should have noticed the rough idle and poor acceleration, especially going up hills - unless he's not familiar with the 5.0LSC engine's low end torque or didn't push it.

 

The indie’s young mechanic:
1/ sat in the car with me idling the first time and told me the car sounded fine to him
2/ drove the car before and after smoke testing, discovering the poorly seated throttle body air intake and then told me he didn’t want to see me for at least 5K miles
3/ have had the car since Friday morning, diagnosing, repairing and hopefully fixing the mangled vacuum hose issue.

I believe it is time for me to speak with the owner of the shop to get answers as to what happened and expectations for the future. I am just very worried that they have potentially caused engine issues that will now haunt my future. I will give an update once the car returns to me. TY for all your words of advice!

 

Poorly seated throttle body intake is their fault. They do degrade over time though, I had to replace mine with an aluminum one.

$13k sounds very high for an indie shop for this work, and they still can't get it right. They need to fix this and then run away from these people.

 

Work with your credit card vendor if this isn't fixed properly. The shop will get it fixed if they stand to lose 13K.

 

SilverTones, Today I am promised an update on the status of their latest repair attempts, try number four, but who’s counting, right? Saying prayers for my beautiful car! Thank you for confirming my suspicion that this WAS all their fault…guess their offer of N/C was a tip off! now I await what issues will happen because of the lean fuel exposure…

 

Moses, I did put 6k on my card but paid the rest by check. At least I have some negotiation tactic besides bad internet review. As a service merchant myself, I hate to play either card but after four “strikes”, they are “out” if it isn’t perfect this time. I plan to communicate with the owner only from this point forward. Thank you so much for your guidance and support…this one is a doozy!

 

I promised to give an update on my fourth return visit to the indie Jag repair shop. The young technician freely admitted that the undiagnosed vacuum hose detachment and poorly seated air intake hose to throttle body was his fault. He also confirmed that the symptoms I had described should have led him to think of these issues but he had thought that everything was fine…the two additional check engine codes convinced him otherwise. He claimed complete confidence that now the car should be good to go. I have driven the car only about 50 miles since picking it up and continue to feel a fine vibration in the steering wheel at idle or while driving…a new coolant smell was noted after the drive…my gas mileage is 25% down from pre timing chain replacement value and the car is getting 3-8 mpg on initial acceleration post cold start. These are problems that I have been complaining about since they have touched the car.

now the car is due for inspection this month. I feel after four tries this indie should have fixed my issues and haven’t despite the inflated $13k bill. The local dealer has shown that they are not at all interested in returning phone calls or working on the car. I called the closest other JLR dealership and they flatly refused to touch it now that someone else has worked on it…they also are not in my state and cannot do a PA inspection for me. What is a girl to do? Can anyone give me a reference to a reliable indie shop within 100 miles of Bethlehem PA? I need to find someone (anyone) that I can trust to understand if my car is still sick or damaged thanks to the recent incompetence. If anyone can help, I would be so very appreciative. Right now I feel as if I have completely wasted a lot of money. They say price, speed and quality, pick two…I have gotten zero! CatDoc

 

Catdoc, I dont know your mechanical expertise but anyone can buy a cheap diagnostic OBII scanner. Your car should be throwing/storing codes. Those codes will help you pinpoint the issues better. At the very least it will let the shop owner know that you know what you are talking about.

 

Lear60man, TY for your advice. Unfortunately while I have medical expertise, alas I have zero automotive experience, other than owning and living my 2013 XJL 5.0 supercharger. I wouldn’t even know where to find such a code device or where to plug it in! (Perhaps I can learn if someone gives me instructions?). Admittedly I have auto PTSD from an extremely bad experience with my previous car a 2002 Mercedes E400 built in the time of the analog-digital transition. I REALLY need a trustworthy mechanic to look over the car, diagnose it fully and give me an honest estimate to fix. Throwing more time, energy and money into a possibly bottomless pit is unwise unless I can trust the technician or do the work myself. I have neither option available at this moment and blindly choosing again also seems unwise. If anyone knows of such a shop either in the Poconos or Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton area, the Philly northern suburbs or Hunterdon Co NJ area, all within a 100 mile drive for me, I would so appreciate the help. If I hear nothing, I may try one last attempt at a different than my original Philadelphia area JLR service department. I just don’t know what else to do…I hate to keep wining but this is breaking my heart and wallet…

 

I am in the same area (Northern Bucks County) and would love to know if there are any independent Jaguar specialist too. I do know that there is an independent Aston Martin specialist in Warrington, which is north of Philly, called Steel Wings. Maybe you could give them a call and ask for a recommendation??

 

Kongo, excellent idea! Great to know that I am not alone here. Have you had any experience with the Philly area JLR dealer service shops? I will assume if you can’t say anything nice that you won’t say anything…will let you know if the Aston Martin guys give me a lead! So nice to have jaguar friends…

 

The one time I called them to have the adaptations reset on my 08 XK after I bought it they wouldn't do it for fear of bricking the car (being it was an older model). However, after driving the car for 3 years now and 20,000 miles everything has smoothed out so I'm glad they didn't.
So far the car has been amazing and the indie that I have been going to for years just recently put ceramic brakes on it for me with no issues but it would be nice to know of someone in the area in case something more involved ever occurs.
Good luck with Steel Wings, I have looked up reviews because I'm constantly pondering going to a vantage of the same vintage. The reviews I've seen all look good so hopefully they may be able to steer you in the right direction.

 

Oh come on now.....talking to your car is easier than talking to a patient Modern cars require modern tools. Thankfully, they make these scanners in all price ranges and complexity. Event the cheap ones will show you codes, the more expensive ones will clear codes if they are able to be reset. I have two mid level OBDII readers, one for the Jags and one for the Range Rover. I would suggest a simple OBD reader from Carly. You plug it in by your left knee and it talks to your phone after you download the Carly app. It will walk you through the diagnostic process and explain the codes. $80 and throw it in your glove box in case you need it down the road. Just dont go driving around with it plugged in. Just turn on the ignition, without starting the car, and it will guide you through the steps.

https://www.mycarly.com/

And here is where you plug in the OBD reader:
https://www.outilsobdfacile.com/loca...Jaguar-xj-x351

 

I called steelwings and spoke with the owner who was extremely sympathetic to my situation but he could not recommend anyone in our area. I think that says a lot! I am still hoping someone on the forum will have a suggestion as I am very close to you on the Bucks County border in Northampton County. I am going to investigate the code reader but if I don’t have anyone to fix whatever I discover, I am still not in a good place…sigh

 

Hope this helps, I just got a 2001 XKR. The first thing I did was join the local/regional Jaguar club and a local British Car Club. I found that both of those clubs have reputable references for mechanics and the members (like this forum) are a great resource. Sure hope your car gets sorted out so you can really enjoy the good weather.

Cheers!